50th anniversary of Cape2Rio Sailing Race date announced

Cape to Rio Race © Hilary Ackermann

Cape2Rio2023, The Royal Cape Yacht Club, Cape Town South Africa in conjunction with the Iate Club Rio de Janeiro are proud to announce that they will proceed with the running of another edition of this Iconic Ocean Racing Classic. The start date is currently mooted as Sunday 2 January 2023. The Cape to Rio Race was first held in 1971.

It attracted an international entry and was won by Ocean Spirit, co-skippered by world renowned sailor Sir Robin Knox Johnson, who had previously become the first man to sail single handed non-stop around the world.

Now coming up to the 50th anniversary of the first edition of the Race, RCYC Commodore Neil Gregory has taken the bold step of beginning preparations for this event and looks to generate a fleet that mirrors the heyday of this ocean classic. A blue water dash across the South Atlantic Ocean between the tourist capitals of South Africa and Brazil, skirting north of the notorious South Atlantic High Pressure System in glorious sunshine. Champagne sailing much like the famous Transpac Race from San Francisco to Honolulu.

This South Atlantic classic has attracted many great teams over the years, led by the luminaries of Ocean Racing past and present all vying for line and handicap honours in both the Monohull and Multihull divisions. The majestic South Atlantic Trophy has graced many a famous sailor's mantlepiece and we hope to continue this fine tradition.

It is the intention of the organisers to position and promote the C2R2023 as a "bucket list" Ocean Race. Once again attracting top-level owners and crews, as well as sailors from across the spectrum of our sport, wishing to undertake an ocean passage and enjoy the cut and thrust of competitive sailing. Race preparation, navigation, risk assessment, strategy and sheer determination are integral to winning an ocean race. This applies to all competitors no matter what boat you sail.

Referring to the timing of the event, Commodore Gregory noted that December 2022 was going to be a busy time for sailing - both racing and cruising. The City of Cape Town will be hosting The Ocean Race fleet at that time, the Oyster World Rally and ARC World Rally will also be visiting our shores. We will be looking to market the Cape2Rio Race to these visitors as an opportunity to use our event as a feeder into the busy Caribbean Season that commences with the RORC C600. The Caribbean Season provides fantastic events for all classes of boats to enjoy our sport and its camaraderie, Antigua Race Week being a highlight for many sailors globally.

The Organising Authority welcomes enquires and encourages potential participants to register their intention to participate by emailing The Notice of Race is scheduled to be published by end October 2020 and will look to be as inclusive as possible, catering for as many classes to ensure the full range of Ocean Racing Teams are catered for.